Tag Archives: VoIP

Choosing Unified Communications for Your Business

What if, instead of being limited to an in-office phone system with its possibly rough connection and dropped calls, you could experience seamless communication via the cloud? This is possible with Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP, for short), an Internet-based unified communications solution. Read on to learn more about VoIP’s benefits and considerations, and about looking for a potential provider.

 

Benefits of Unified Communications

 

Telephone technology has come a long way since the time calls were transmitted over copper wires. Nowadays, with VoiceOver IP, users can call each other using an Internet-based cloud solution. With this different interface, the provider handles back-end infrastructure and all the customer needs is the internet connection. This technology is flexible and scalable, and can be integrated with your company’s applications to help speed business processes. Lines can be added easily via your company’s internet router to accommodate more remote workers, and they can access your network and its applications. Like with other cloud offerings, VoIP can convert the capital expense of phone sets to a flexible internet-based subscription model.

 

Preparing Your Network for Unified Communications

 

No matter your company’s needs, considerations remain when considering cloud-based phone technology. First, is your company’s network strong enough, with sufficient bandwidth,  to support more traffic? Does your network and all connected devices have the most current antivirus and anti-malware definitions? Another question to answer: have you considered what features of a provider’s plan would best align with business goals?

 

Considerations When Choosing a Provider

 

Numerous providers exist, and offer internet telephony packages with varying features. Some can furnish you with things like toll-free numbers and even international calling. Which features are must-haves for your business, and which are simply nice to have but not essential? Businesses with call centers, for instance, might need a package they can integrate with their customer-service software. Technical support is another consideration; some providers offer 24/7 support but others don’t. Whatever your business, you’ll need to know about the security of the provider’s data centers and if data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.

 

Unified Communications has  the potential to transform how your business collaborates. For further assistance, contact your trusted technology advisor today.

Do Business Anywhere with Modern Cloud Phone Systems

Business phone communication used to be based in the office. Now, with the technology of VoiceOver Internet Protocol (VoIP for short), you can communicate anywhere, anytime, on any device. Read on to learn more about this modern cloud communication option.

 

Business Benefits of Internet Phone Service

 

While different providers offer different features and options, what they have in common is using modern cloud phone communications. With traditional phone lines, a company is charged for not just each (additional) line, but for the time spent on calls. A “virtual” phone uses VoiceOver Internet Protocol (VoIP), converting voice to data and transmitting this over a broadband Internet connection. Internet phones use an Internet connection via a router, to which additional lines can be added. The VoIP technology brings all the benefits of cloud computing–the provider manages the infrastructure and backend operations. The expenses of on-premise infrastructure and overhead are reduced, and the service is payable on a subscription basis. Internet-based phone services are perfect for remote work, since workers can communicate using an Internet connection, working anytime and anywhere.

 

Considerations for Using Virtual Phones

 

With the business benefits of VoIP phones, your company will need to consider how the technology will help you realize business goals. If you want to hire remote workers, for instance, you will need to make sure their devices (mobile phones, laptops) are secure when connected to your network. Also, is your network strong enough to handle broadband traffic? When choosing a service provider, it’s best to think of how features they offer will mesh with your needs. Finally, the security of your cloud service provider’s data centers needs to be considered; for instance, what are their encryption policies, and how does the provider deal with regulatory compliance?

 

By opting for virtual telephony, it’s possible for users to experience better call and video capability and for your company to enjoy cost savings. For further assistance, contact your trusted technology advisor today. 

Getting the Most from Cloud Computing

Advantages of Moving to CloudCloud Computing adoption continues to outpace the growth rate of total IT spending. According to research firm Gartner, the market for public cloud services will continue expanding, with year-over-year revenue growth of 17.3%. Compare this to Gartner Growth expectation of total IT Growth of 1.4% and you can see how the market for Cloud Computing is maturing. Cloud Service Providers offer a wide range of solutions. According to CompTIA Trends in Cloud Computing, Cost reduction is the primary driver for VoIP, cited by 67% of companies with a VoIP implementation. Integration with other applications was cited as the second biggest driver by 36% of VoIP adopters. Here are a few tips to help realize the benefits of savings and integration of popular Cloud Services.

 

Manage Rogue IT


Rogue IT is a term for technology deployed without the aid of a technology advisor. Cloud Computing empowers Line of Business (LOB) owners to rapidly deploy Software as a Service (SaaS) applications and to minimize the involvement of a technology advisor. Financial management, HR management, Call Center and Help Desk services are common SaaS application purchase decisions made by LOB owners.

More often than not, LOB owners involve a technology advisor in the purchase decision for final approval and consultation. Cloud integration, security concerns, and the need to centralize technologies are common reasons to include a technology advisor. Without the input from a trusted advisor, the costs of Cloud adoption can increase, and the creation of silos from lack of integration can result.

Navigate Cloud Security Concerns

Due to the nebulous nature of Cloud Computing, Cloud Security can be a challenge to manage and is only as strong as its weakest link. By proactively managing their technologies and workflows, companies can avoid security issues including lack of regulatory compliance, malware infection and denial of service attacks. Seeking the support of a trusted technology advisor provides an unbiased perspective for performing due diligence on suppliers and partners so your business can use the Cloud with confidence.

Ensure that your Cloud Service Providers monitor their systems for malware and utilize firewalls and encryption. These actions protect your assets in the Cloud and ensure that Unified Communications, Web Hosting and other customer-facing applications run smoothly.

Manage Internal Change from Digital Transformation

Cost savings and integration resulting from Cloud Adoption will have a positive impact on internal operations. Building new policies, or updating existing policies and procedures, allows your employees to take full advantage of Cloud Computing Adoption. Also consider reviewing how you monitor performance for your network, applications and Cloud Services. Keeping things performing will contribute to the overall productivity and savings realized from Cloud Computing.

Cloud Computing adoption drives change at many levels in today’s business world. With the help of a technology advisor you can get the most from your Cloud Computing investment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your technology advisor to lift your business to the Cloud.